The Structure of Earth
Learning Sequence
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Introduction With Gavin
In the video, we will have the pleasure of meeting Dr Karl to discuss the structure of the Earth and introduce the children to the recently discovered 5th layer.
During the video, the students will learn about the structure of the Earth. They will understand the different layers of the Earth and their properties. The concept of plate tectonics and its effect on the surface of the Earth will be introduced. Students will also learn about the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and its importance to life on Earth.
During the video, students will learn about the planets and their unique features, as well as their sizes and positions within our solar system. The position of Earth within the solar system will also be discussed, helping students to gain a basic understanding of the distances between planets and their relative positions.
By the end of the video, students will have a newfound appreciation for the vastness and complexity of our solar system, and a basic understanding of the planets that call it home.
Let’s delve into the fascinating topic of the Earth’s structure and embark on a journey to understand the inner workings of our planet. We will discover the 5th layer of the Earth and wander into the mysteries of space and explore everything from the Earth’s core to the far reaches of the universe.
Here, we will focus on the specifics of the Earth’s structure and examine the various layers that make up the planet. We will also talk about what each layer is made from and as a follow-up task, you will be requested to make your very own model of the Earth and teach other children using your new found knowledge and resources.
Good luck!
Key Quote - Buzz Aldrin
Students are asked to critically analyze and interpret this quote to gain a deeper understanding of the message conveyed by the astronaut.
Students may also choose to conduct independent research on the astronaut or the particular space mission they were a part of, and record their findings in a notebook. To further enhance their engagement with the quote, students are encouraged to create an artistic representation, such as a drawing or visual art piece, that captures the essence of the message being conveyed.
Please read this quote and try to figure out what the astronaut meant by saying it.
You can do some research to learn more about the astronaut or the space mission they were a part of, and write down your findings in your notebook. To make things even more fun, you can also create a drawing or artwork that shows what you think the quote is all about. This will help you engage with the quote and understand it better.
Course Keywords
Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary.
Copy the words into a spelling list/Vocabulary book for later reference.
Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil
Place the words in alphabetical order in a list.
Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Try to represent each of the words using a picture or a symbol and play the guessing game. (which image is matched to which word)
Write a paragraph containing all of the new vocabulary.
Make a vocabulary wall containing all of the new words.
Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for the words and create a synonym list.
These words will help you during this short course. You may already know some of these words however practice makes perfect!
First, read the words and then try to define them as simply as possible.
An example has been completed for you. You can write these into your books, and draw a picture to match or simply complete the task card.
Comprehension Activity - The Structure of the Earth
We have provided you and your class with a reading comprehension activity. This can be done independently or tackled as a guided reading activity with your students.
Once the children have read the relevant information, they can then work through the comprehension questions until they become too hard,
The four levels of questions allow for your students to push themselves until they become too difficult. They may wish to use classroom resources to solve the questions they find too hard or they can be used as extension activities to be completed in free time or at home.
Read the information opposite on the introduction to the moon and use the information gained from the video above and attempt to answer as many of the comprehension questions as possible.
You may talk to the people in the classroom and use any resources available in the classroom to get the answers. You may even wish to continue your research at home on the questions that you could not solve.
We have made the questions range in difficulty, see how far you can get! Remember to answer the questions in full sentences and make notes of any diagrams or amazing facts that may help you remember the information later.
Use a variety of sources to gather your information and jot down your discoveries in the space provided. We’ll be using these facts in our next activity, so be sure to choose the best ones!
This research project is a great way to get us excited about the incredible world beyond our own planet and set the foundation for our upcoming exploration of the solar system!
Real World Learning - Creating an Earth Wheel
Before starting this activity, make sure to carefully read through the instructions provided. It may also be helpful to create your own Earth wheel before beginning. Your students can either create their own disks or use the provided template to print and cut out each layer of the Earth.
For this activity to be successful, the children will need scissors, cardstock, colored pencils, and a split pin.
Your children can use Canva to design their flashcards, or they can print the document and use pencils, paints, or any other creative means they prefer. Once they’re done, we want them to brainstorm ideas on how these resources can be used to motivate other children to learn more about space!
We are going to create a resource to help you teach the children around you all about the layers of the Earth – we are going to create something called an earth wheel.
Read the infographic carefully and follow the steps so that you can create a teaching resource that will make your students say ‘WOW!’
Remember to use your research to help you choose inspirational facts and make your resource as colorful and as perfect as possible.
Once completed, you are going to use this resource to inspire others to want to know more about the Earth.
Finally, you can ask your students to create their very own earth wheel or you can leave yours as a resource that they can use forever!
Research Time - Layers of the Earth
We encourage your students to research the layers beneath their feet. The task card provided can be used by children working in groups of any size. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children the importance of gathering information from various sources before committing to their facts. With a target of 30 words, they can choose the most relevant information for their research.
Ask your students to read the task card and work in pairs, groups, or individually to discover the most fascinating facts about each object. This activity will ignite their curiosity for the rest of the session.
In this course, we are discussing the Earth and its subsurface layers. Dr. Karl has enlightened us on the astonishing occurrences happening beneath our feet. Furthermore, we learned about the recently discovered fifth layer, the Innermost Inner Core, which is relatively new to scientific exploration.
This task involves researching these layers and documenting your findings on the provided task card. Be sure to fact-check your information and describe each layer in less than 30 words. You can either use the provided template or create your own to record your discoveries. You’re on your way to becoming a geologist!
Use a variety of sources to gather your information and jot down your discoveries in the space provided. We’ll be using these facts in our next activity, so be sure to choose the best ones!
This research project is a great way to get us excited about the incredible world beyond our own planet and set the foundation for our upcoming exploration of the solar system!
Bringing Mathematics To Life - Earth Facts
The children will be working together in pairs or groups to explore the intriguing facts and figures associated with the structure of the Earth. They will begin by reading about these fascinating numbers and then embark on a research project to uncover additional numbers that exist alongside us.
Through this exercise, the children will not only gain a deeper understanding of the numerical elements that shape our planet, but also recognize that there are plenty of captivating numbers that surround us every day.
Let’s delve into the fascinating world of numbers that exist here on Earth. For instance, did you know that the Earth has a diameter of approximately 12,742km? Can you discover another distance that is almost equal to this measurement?
Join us on this exciting journey as we invite you to explore and research similar numbers that exist on our planet. Get together with your friends and check out the task card for some fun math challenges. It’s a great opportunity to discover the wonders of numbers!
Let’s Create with Jordan - Layers of the Earth
Let’s use our creative modeling skills to create a Play-doh or Plasticine model of the Earth to represent the layers within. The children may wish to make salt clay and dye it with paint or food coloring as part of the process. If possible you can use material that you have to hand.
Jordan explains exactly how to create this model and even gives tips of the colors you may wish to choose for each layer.
Once finished your model can be sliced in half (using a small amount of wire is easier than using a knife for this) to show all of the layers within and then used to help others understand that there are not only 4 layers but actually 5!
Here’s an art activity related to what we’ve been learning about in class. It’s an opportunity for you to enhance your artistic abilities and learn more about the Solar System and Space!
Jordan will be joining us to brainstorm creative ways to showcase what we’ve learned about Space while also doing some good for the world.
Take a look at the video on the other side and then do your best to follow Jordan’s guidance to make the world a better place with your creative skills.
To fully understand what we will be creating this week, you may wish to watch the full video below before starting.
Let’s get creative!
Jordan's Closing Video
Watch the video with your class and support them as they use the skills demonstrated in the video in their own work tasks.
Watch Jordan’s full video here before starting your creative art project and remember that your work does not need to match Jordan’s exactly. Use it as a guide and try to make your work unique and be as creative as you like!